Final answer:
The aseptic procedure for blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes after each use is disinfection. Disinfection eliminates many pathogenic microorganisms but not bacterial spores. For tissues, antiseptics are used since they are safe for living tissue and prevent microbial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aseptic procedure performed on blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes after each use to prevent the transmission of infectious agents is disinfection. This process involves the use of chemical agents to eliminate many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, except for bacterial spores. Sanitization is a less rigorous form of disinfection typically involving cleaning agents that reduce microbial numbers to a safe level according to public health standards but may not eliminate all viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Sterilization, on the other hand, is a more extreme process that destroys all forms of microbial life and is typically not necessary for non-critical items such as blood pressure cuffs that only come into contact with intact skin.
When considering microbial control on tissues to prevent infection, the suitable option is B. antiseptic. Antiseptics are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and are safe to use on living tissues. Disinfectants are used on inanimate objects or surfaces and are usually too harsh for living tissues, while sterilants refer to agents that completely destroy all forms of microbial life and can be used on both living tissue and inanimate objects under specific conditions. Water is not an effective microbial control substance unless it's used as a carrier for other antimicrobial agents or in the form of steam during sterilization.